Aaron Mendelson

Data Reporter

Aaron Mendelson works on KPCC's data journalism and interactive projects.

At KPCC, he has used data to shine a light on the avalanche of outside money in local politics, spiking firearms sales, Los Angeles' bicycle infrastructure, and police militarization. He helped build a unique database on officer-involved shootings in Los Angeles County for KPCC's Officer Involved project.

Aaron holds a master's degree from the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. Prior to joining KPCC, he worked as a freelancer for Reuters, Marketplace, KQED and Mother Jones. He got his start in journalism at KFAI in Minneapolis.

Aaron grew up in Iowa. An avid music fan, he is the author of the 2012 book "American R&B: Gospel Grooves, Funky Drummers & Soul Power."

Rifles used in a mass shooting at a Dec. 2 holiday party at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino were legal to purchase in the state of California. However both had been modified to make them illegal under the state's assault weapons ban. Here's a primer on that ban.

A strong El Niño climate pattern is on its way to Southern California, and might bring with it some much-needed rain. But that precipitation could be a double-edged sword, raising the possibility of flooding in a region struggling with drought. Explore KPCC's map to see if you live in a flood zone.